A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for males that prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation. At the University of Vermont Medical Center, our skilled team of Urologic Surgeons perform hundreds of these procedures for patients in the community we serve.

Vasectomy Care at UVM Medical Center

Couples choose to come to the UVM Medical Center to inquire about and have a vasectomy performed when they have decided their families are complete.

At the UVM Medical Center, you benefit from:

Experience and expertise. Our UVM Medical Group physician staff includes Board Certified Urologists with specific specialty training. As well, we have a team of dedicated Urology nurses skilled in caring for men preparing for, undergoing and recovering from a vasectomy.

Personalized care. Our team understands that a vasectomy is a very personal surgery. You will see the same physician from the pre-surgery consultation to any post-surgery check-up(s). If you are anxious about the surgery or afterwards, your physician will provide assistance.

Minimally invasive options. Our physicians are able to use the latest minimally invasive techniques to help minimize the risk of complications and hasten recovery.

Reproductive options. The pre-surgery counseling session will help ensure that you understand the procedure and are confident of your decision to have a vasectomy.

Vasectomy Options at the UVM Medical Center

Our fellowship-trained urology specialists use several approaches to perform vasectomies. Most procedures take about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You and your physician will discuss which of the following surgery options will offer you the best results.

Traditional vasectomy - After numbing your scrotum, your physician makes a small incision to access the two vas deferens tubes that carry sperm. Your physician cuts the tubes and seals the ends using sutures, heat (cauterization) or a device called a Vasclip. After returning the sealed tubes to the scrotum, your physician uses dissolvable stitches to close the small scrotal incision.

No-scalpel vasectomy - Your physician makes a tiny pinhole into the numbed scrotum and gently stretches the skin to access the vas deferens tubes. After cutting the tubes, your physician seals the ends using sutures, heat (cauterization) or a device called a Vasclip and returns the tubes to the scrotum. The pinhole heals without stitches.

Vasectomy Reversals at UVM Medical Center

Should you have a change of heart, our skilled urology specialists perform vasectomy reversal surgery to reconnect previously-severed vas deferens tubes. They also can use a less invasive procedure to remove sperm from your testicles to use during in vitro fertilization.

Vasectomy reversals typically:

Result in pregnancy 55 percent of the time when sperm are found in the vas deferens tubes during surgery

Are most successful when done within the first three years after a vasectomy

Lead to pregnancy about a third of the time when done 10 or more years after a vasectomy

Post-Vasectomy Care

You must have your sperm count checked three months after the procedure, at the earliest. Until your physician confirms that the count shows you are sterile, you will need to continue to use other forms of birth control given you may still not be sterile and your partner could become pregnant.

The University of Vermont Medical Center serves all of Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, The UVM Medical Center is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.